Selecting the Perfect Knife for Boy Scouts

Introduction

The Boy Scouts of America program encourages young individuals to develop a wide range of skills, including outdoor survival, camping, and self-reliance. One essential skill for a Boy Scout is how to properly use a knife in the field. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to select a quality knife for Boy Scouts, taking into account safety, functionality, and durability.

5 Great Knives for Boy Scouts

Our top choices for Boy Scout knives:

• Buck 110 Folding Hunter
• Buck 346 Vantage Folding Knife
• Buck 722 Spitfire Folding Knife
• Buck 726 Mini Spitfire Folding Knife
• Victorinox Swiss Army Camper Pocket Knife

Legal and Safety Requirements

Before embarking on the process of selecting a knife for a Boy Scout, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the legal and safety regulations governing the use of knives. Different regions and scouting organizations may have specific guidelines regarding blade length, locking mechanisms, and age restrictions.

Ensure that the knife you choose adheres to these regulations to maintain safety and compliance.

What is the Official Boy Scout Regulation on Knives?

According to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), choosing the right equipment for the job is the “best answer to the question of what specific knife should be used”. For example, the BSA states that a sharp pocketknife with a can opener is an invaluable backcountry tool.

The BSA is aware, however, that many councils or camps may have limits on the type or style of knife that should be used. According to the BSA, the organization neither encourages nor bans fixed-blade knives and they do not set a limit on blade length.

“The Boy Scout Handbook, Bear Handbook, and Webelos Handbook contain the program for the safe and responsible use of knives. The BSA believes choosing the right equipment for the job at hand is the best answer to the question of what specific knife should be used. We are aware that many councils or camps may have limits on the type or style of knife that should be used. The BSA neither encourages nor bans fixed-blade knives nor do we set a limit on blade length.”

Boy Scouts of America

Additional information is found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

That said, the BSA believes that it has a duty to instill in its members – both youth and adult – the knowledge of how to use, handle, and store legally owned knives with the upmost attention to safety and responsibility.

The BSA also reminds all members that knives are not allowed on school premises, and should never be taken aboard commercial aircraft.

Boy Scout Knives: Purpose and Intended Use

Understanding the purpose and intended use of the knife is paramount. Boy Scouts engage in various activities that may require different types of knives. Common tasks include carving, food preparation, first aid, building shelters, and creating fire starters. Identifying the primary purpose will help narrow down the options and ensure that the chosen knife is suitable for the intended tasks.

Boy Scout Knives: Blade Type

There are three primary blade types to consider when selecting a knife for Boy Scouts: fixed blade, folding blade, and multi-tool knives.

Fixed Blade Knives

Fixed blade knives are durable and robust, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as chopping wood or building shelters. They have no moving parts, making them reliable and easy to maintain. However, they may require a sheath for safe storage and transport.

Folding Blade Knives

Folding knives are compact and portable, offering convenience and versatility. They can be easily carried in a pocket or backpack. Folding knives often come with locking mechanisms to ensure blade stability during use. They are suitable for everyday tasks and are handy in situations where weight and size are critical.

Multi-Tool Knives

Multi-tool knives feature multiple blades and additional tools like screwdrivers, can openers, or saws. They provide a wide range of functionalities in a single tool, making them excellent for versatility and space-saving. Multi-tools are especially useful for Boy Scouts who require various functions in one compact package.

Boy Scout Knives: Knife Characteristics

Blade Material and Edge Type

Blade material and edge type are vital factors that influence the performance and durability of a knife. High-carbon stainless steel blades are commonly recommended due to their strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. Additionally, selecting a blade with a strong and durable edge, such as a full-flat grind or a Scandinavian grind, is crucial for tasks such as wood carving, notching, or food preparation.

Handle Ergonomics and Material

The handle of a knife significantly impacts its comfort, grip, and overall control during use. Opt for a handle that fits comfortably in your hand, allowing a firm and secure grip. Durable materials like G-10 fiberglass, micarta, or rubberized grips offer excellent traction and durability. Avoid handles with sharp edges or rough surfaces that may cause discomfort or blisters during prolonged use.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when selecting a knife for Boy Scouts. Look for knives with features like a finger guard or choil, which prevent accidental slippage of the hand onto the blade. Additionally, knives with a secure locking mechanism ensure that the blade remains in place during use, minimizing the risk of injuries.

Maintenance and Durability

A good Boy Scout knife should be easy to maintain and built to withstand outdoor conditions. Look for knives with corrosion-resistant blades and handle materials that can withstand moisture and rugged environments. Easy disassembly for cleaning and sharpening purposes is also advantageous.

Boy Scout Knives Made in the USA

We focus our buying guide on Boy Scout knives that are built in the USA. One brand we recommend is Buck knives. Buck was founded in Idaho and has been making classic knives of exceptional quality and durability since 1902. Buck is generally credited with inventing the timeless “folding hunting knife,” which can make a great starter Boy Scout knife.

Buck Knives also stands alone in the industry with their famous Forever Warranty. According to Buck, they warranty every Buck knife sold to be free of defects in material and workmanship for the life of the knife. Visit Buck’s website to learn more about their Forever Warranty.

Boy Scout Knife Recommendations and Buying Guide

So without further ado, we present our suggestions and buying guide for great starter Boy Scout knives.

1. Buck 110 Folding Hunter

Blade: 420 HC Stainless steel | Handle: Cherrywood | Length: 3 3/4″ (blade length)

The 110 Folding Hunter knife has been a traditional favorite for over 50 years! This classic knife features brass bolsters with genuine Crelicam™ ebony handle scales and a razor sharp 420HC stainless steel blade.

Ethically sourced Crelicam™ ebony supports replanting efforts in the African Congo Basin rainforest, and provides the 110 with a genuine hardwood handle that is practically indestructible. The Boy Scouts logo can be etched into the handle as part of the BSA collection.

The knife securely locks in the open position and folds down to a convenient 4 7/8″ when closed. The 110 Folding Hunter comes with a genuine black leather sheath which can be carried on your belt.

Features:

• Cherrywood handle
• Nickel silver bolster
• Rivetted handle that is both comfortable and durable
• Boys Scouts logo on handle
• Made in the USA
• Genuine black leather sheath
• Buck’s Forever Warranty
• Officially licensed by the Boy Scouts of America

2. Buck 346 Vantage Folding Knife

Blade: 420 HC Stainless steel | Handle: Rosewood | Length: 3 1/4″ (blade length)

The Vantage is a favorite of the Buck knife family. It is smooth, lightweight, and can be opened with one hand using either the blade flipper or thumb hole. The Vantage locks open using a stainless steel liner lock – the knife is constructed with two stainless steel liners for extra safety and durability.

The knife has an ergonomic grip, and features a drop point blade which offers superior cutting ability. Closed length measures 4 3/8″.

The Vantage is also officially licensed by the Boy Scouts of America, and the BSA logo is etched into the wooden handle as part of the BSA collection.

Features:

• Rosewood handle
• Nickel silver bolster
• Rivetted handle that is both comfortable and durable
• Boys Scouts logo on handle
• Made in the USA
• Stainless steel reversible pocket clip
• Buck’s Forever Warranty
• Officially licensed by the Boy Scouts of America

3. Buck 722 Spitfire Folding Knife

Blade: HC Stainless steel | Handle: Aluminum | Length: 3 1/4″ (blade length)

Designed for everyday use, the popular 722 SpitFire™ pocket knife is both sleek and lightweight. It easily opens with one hand and locks open for safe use.

Available in thousands of possible colors and style combinations. Pick your favorite handle colors from Aluminum, Carbon Fiber, or G10 materials and blade steel. Choose from many spacer colors, pocket clip hardware in either black or silver and add from the accessory options including an extra pocket clip, a black Sherpa lined zipper pouch or pine display box.

The Boy Scouts logo can be etched into the handle as part of the BSA collection.

Features:

• Aluminum handle
• Boys Scouts logo on handle
• Made in the USA
• Stainless steel pocket clip
• Buck’s Forever Warranty
• Officially licensed by the Boy Scouts of America

4. Buck 726 Mini Spitfire Folding Knife

Blade: HC Stainless steel | Handle: Aluminum | Length: 2 3/4″ (blade length)

Like the popular 722 SpitFire™ pocket knife, the Mini is a great starter Boy Scouts knife. It is both sleek and lightweight, easily opens with one hand, and locks open for safe use. It also conveniently folds down to 3 3/4″ when closed

Like its larger brother above, the Mini is available in thousands of possible colors and style combinations. Pick your favorite handle colors from Aluminum, Carbon Fiber, or G10 materials and blade steel. Choose from many spacer colors, pocket clip hardware in either black or silver and add from the accessory options including an extra pocket clip, a black Sherpa lined zipper pouch or pine display box.

The Boy Scouts logo can be etched into the handle as part of the BSA collection.

Features:

• Aluminum handle
• Boys Scouts logo on handle
• Made in the USA
• Stainless steel pocket clip
• Buck’s Forever Warranty
• Officially licensed by the Boy Scouts of America

5. Victorinox Swiss Army Camper Pocket Knife

Blade: high carbon, stainless steel | Handle: ABS/Cellidor| Length: 3.6″ (overall)

The Victorinox range of Swiss Army Knives was established since 1897 and continues to represent utility and smart design. The Camper features Swiss-made stainless steel construction and is extremely resistant. It makes an excellent starter knife for Boy Scouts.

The Camper pocket knife features 13 functions. These include large blade, small blade, can opener, screwdriver 3 mm, bottle opener, screwdriver 6 mm, wire stripper, reamer/punch and sewing awl, corkscrew, wood saw, toothpick, tweezers, and key ring.

Made in Switzerland, the Victorinox Camper provides a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship.

Features:

• Quality and durability since 1897
• Swiss made stainless steel
• 13 practical functions
• Excellent price point
• Excellent reviews
• Victorinox provides a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship

Read More >> Buck Knives – Are They Worth the Money?

Read More >> Buck 110 vs Buck 112: Two Classic Folders

Boy Scout Knives: Final Thoughts

In this article we presented 5 great starter knives for Boy Scouts. If you want additional recommendations and expert advice, don’t hesitate to ask experienced Boy Scout leaders or your local outdoor store.

When selecting a first knife for Boy Scouts, the emphasis should always be on safety, functionality, and durability.